The Best of the Arctic.

In One Week.

How to apply for this Expedition

Read through the information on this web page

Find the Calendly call block section.

Answer the questions, and apply to join!

FLY TO GREENLAND, SAIL IN GREENLAND, FLY BACK TO ICELAND

With the expeditionary tradition of the past and the trappings of the future, an array of dramatic nature and Arctic wildlife awaits you!

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Remember what its like to be a kid again, to experience pure unadulterated excitement.

  2. Explore the remote coast of Northeast Greenland

  3. Get a taste of the golden age of exploration on a traditionally rigged, wooden sailing vessel

  4. Visit some of the most remote, ice-free fjords in East Greenland

  5. Visit the world’d largest fjord system

  6. All of this with a small ground of 12 amazing people from all over.

  7. Enjoy stunning Arctic vistas and landscapes with the trappings of civilisation

  8. Pursue an intentional, knowledge-oriented expedition experience with respect to the destination

  9. Experienced crew and Expedition Leader that are at least as excited to be there as you (!)

  10. Eat well, drink well and live well whilst traversing the most remote parts of the Arctic.

Expedition Area

The human exploration of Scoresby Sound, Northeast Greenland is but a brushstroke upon a tremendous and exuberant canvas on one of the oldest places in the world.
We propose to seek out its secrets, and reveal them, with you.

OUR PEOPLE MEAN EVERYTHING TO US. MEMORIES FROM YEARS PAST.

JOINING YOU ON BOARD THIS SEASON

Joe Shutter

YOUR EXPEDITION LEADER

Founder of Great Exped & Expedition Leader

Welcome, curious explorer! Joe here. British-Brazilian, I made Iceland my home 10 years ago.

My affinity for the Polar Regions has no limits. Through my lens and many years of exploration, I have honed the artful skill of curating positive and purposeful experiences which I take great joy in sharing with fellow explorers.

I prosecute a gratuitous and exuberant expedition leading style. I believe fervently in enjoying myself and fomenting an atmosphere of merriment and jubilation with my expedition parties. I strive to use my expedition time on the most remote and unique places and experience, but I’m always ready for whatever nature has lined up for me. I am always there for my people.

For me, seducing the spirits of fellow explorers and sharing in the wonders of the Arctic is my eternally-repeatable aim. Bringing people together with a common passion has always been my favourite thing: there’s a special energy in this that I have never found anywhere else.⁣

Rasmus Jacobsen

YOUR ARCTIC CAPTAIN

Captain of S/V Linden & Experienced Navigator

Growing up in Denmark and living on a yacht, my family raised me within a maritime lifestyle and eco-friendly culture from childhood. Since then, I’ve enjoyed over 30 years on the ocean thus far: working on galleons, square rigs, research vessels and passenger ships.

My passion lies in seeking out the most untouched arenas of the Arctic, placing a great emphasis on exploring without any signs of human activity.  Currently, I am supporting the Ocean Warrior Project, a unique scientific expedition aimed at collecting oceanographic data. We’ll use the wind power of S/V Linden as we sail an impressive 4,000 nautical mile route from Svalbard to the UK, then to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and up to Canada.

My crew and I are committed to embodying an environmentally-friendly approach to sailing, inspired to seek out the abundant beauty of Svalbard in a purposeful manner. Hence, collaborating with The Great Expedition Company is a harmonious eco-expedition match.

Karim Iliya

YOUR COSMIC OCEAN DIVER

Adventure specialist and intrepid explorer 

Karim Iliya is a photographer, filmmaker, whale swimming guide, and former dearMoon crew member based in Iceland. He also co-founded Kogia, a nature conservation non-profit. Karim grew up in the Middle East and Asia and developed an insatiable curiosity for the natural world which has taken him into the midst of exploding volcanoes, battling whales, ice worlds of the Arctic, and many of the incredible places where humans and animals make their homes. Through his photography and films, Karim takes his audiences to hidden underwater worlds and documents other natural places in an effort to protect Earth’s delicate ecosystems. Karim has worked in over 50 countries, won multiple awards, and his work has been featured in numerous distinguished magazines, documentaries, and publications.

Drew Simms

DRONE MASTER -IN-CHIEF

Adventurer, storyteller, photographer,  filmmaker and YouTuber 

Hey there, I'm Drew Simms—an avid photographer and filmmaker, with a passion for adventure and exploration.

For the past 8 years, I've been on a endless journey of seeking out breathtaking landscapes and fleeting moments of wonder. There is something truly special about getting out of your comfort zone and taking on new and challenging adventures. That's why I'm thrilled to invite you to join me on an unforgettable expedition through Greenland’s pristine landscapes. Together, we'll witness glaciers, icebergs, fjords, and wildlife—a journey that promises to be as awe-inspiring as it is transformative.

Come, join me on this adventure, and let's uncover the hidden wonders of Greenland together—one frame at a time.

Jess Wandering

YOUR WANDERER-IN-CHIEF

Arctic wildlife enthusiast, storyteller, photographer and filmmaker 

Hi, I’m Jess! I’m a travel photographer and storyteller, and over the past decade I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring places. But as meaningful as documenting these experiences has been, there’s something even more powerful about living them in real time, alongside others.

What draws me to this journey is the rare chance to truly slow down and be present in a landscape that feels untouched and timeless. Eastern Greenland offers a kind of stillness and raw beauty that invites us to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with a deeper sense of wonder.

This expedition isn’t just about breathtaking views and Arctic adventure (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about making unforgettable memories in one of the last great wild places on earth. My hope is that this trip gives you the space to leave the familiar behind and step fully into the spirit of exploration.

Fabio Zing

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE SWISS CONTINGENT

The Man with all the Angles

My name is Fabio Zingg, a Swiss landscape photographer and expedition guide. I grew up in the mountains, where early hikes, curiosity and a deep appreciation for nature shaped my eye and my character. My style is driven by emotion — moody light, strong compositions, and images that feel like adventure stories rather than snapshots.

Greenland has become my favourite place in the world to travel and capture. Its rawness inspires me like nowhere else, which is why I keep returning. In 2025 I’ll be back for the third time, after an unforgettable Svalbard expedition with Joe aboard the SV Linden in 2025.

What drives me is simple: exploring the unknown, pushing limits and creating moments that make people feel something. That’s the experience I hope to share with you on this journey.

Jon Guler

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE

OF THE SWISS CONTINGENT

Vibe catcher Extraordinaire 

Hey I‘m Jon, a 27-year old Zurich-based filmmaker with a firm grip on adventure, lifestyle storytelling, and the unwieldy joy of carrying cameras that are far too big. My background in geography and GIS keeps me curious, while my love for the outdoors keeps me grounded. Whether I’m running mountain trails, grinding up climbs on the road bike, or chasing light on hikes that should have ended hours earlier.

The Arctic and its glaciers have a pull on me I can’t shake, even if big waves tend to win the fight now and then. Still, the draw of raw landscapes, new perspectives, and the next challenge keeps me eager to explore. If you’re looking for someone who blends creativity with curiosity, and coffee with everything: I’m ready to help craft something that stands out on this Greenland expedition.

It is said that there are two phases in life:

Life before Greenland and Life after Greenland.

Greenland is the portal through which one passes and cannot pass back through: whatever you think Greenland is: it’s more, its bigger, and grander.  This expedition will lay bare Greenland’s secrets in an unparralled setting.

Details

7 day Departures

Aug 20-27

Aug 27-Sept 03

Sept 03-10

Sept 10-17

10 day Departure

Sept 17-27

Cost

7 days: €9,945

10 days: €10,845

25% deposit payable to secure your spot

Starts/Ends

Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland

Ends: Reykjavik, Iceland

We Arrange

  1. Accommodation on board, incl. bedding & towels

  2. All meals, snacks, tea and coffee throughout.

  3. Your flight to Greenland from Iceland at the start of the expedition

  4. Your flight Iceland from Greenland at the end of the expedition

  5. Expedition champagne and port supply.

  6. Usage of the ship’s cigar humidor

  7. Free use of onboard sauna

  8. Extensive Pre-Departure Preparation Material

  9. All guided hikes ashore

  10. All guided zodiac excursions to shore

  11. Educational and Informational services from the Expedition Leader and crew

  12. Port surcharges, permits and landing fees

You Arrange

  • Your flights to and from Iceland

  • Additional Alcoholic beverages beverages on board, outside the champagne and port supply

  • Personal travel & health insurance

  • Discretionary crew gratuities

LIFE ON BOARD S/V LINDEN

S/V Linden is undeniably a swoon-worthy vessel.  This elegant 50 meter three-masted tall ship captures everyones attention as she glides on the polar seas. She is very strong, capable, and best suited scouring the ice in the Arctic. Built in 1993, as a modern take on the original Linden from 1923, she has been sailing for more than thirty years around the northerly seas, proving that she is trustworthy and made for arctic adventures.

Linden will host us in her bright and comfortable main saloon, where plenty of windows provide a panoramic view for you to watch the waves roll by. Accommodation is made up of 5 twin bunk-style cabins and 2 single cabins. Home-cooked meals by the on board chef will be enjoyed in her main saloon, amid a well stocked library of polar literature. Day to day life on board is exciting yet easy-going: we will discuss the upcoming route over a hearty breakfast, plan our days activities, share life experiences over warm tea, and keep our binoculars in hand whilst we look out for wildlife.

Having been built in Finland there is, of course, a well-sized sauna on board, which will be the perfect refuge after a polar-plunge!

  • Linden Saloon

  • Linden beside a glacier in Svalbard

  • Linden Cabins made up

  • Linden Saloon: rear.

  • Learning the ropes

TECHNICAL DATA:

Length overall: 49.5 meters / 164 ft.
Beam Breath: 8.8 meters
Draft: 3.1 meters
Passengers: 12
Crew: 6-8
Cargo space: 35 Ton
Crane: SWL1,1T4M
Deck space: 80m2
Tenders: 2x ZodiacMk5, 1xZodiac MOB 4,56m
Sail area: 690 square meters
Speed on sails: 8 knots avg.
Speed on Engine: 6 knots
Range: Unlimited

EXPEDITION ITINERARY

The expedition will start in Iceland. From there, a private charter flight will take us to Constable Point. We explore  the fjord system for the rest of the week and return you to the airport at the end of our week together.

Reykjavik
Pop: 135,688

Reykjavik will very likely feel very small (unless you’ve come from somewhere smaller)

Constable Point (CNP)

Less of an asphalt operation and more of a wet (and sometimes dry) dirt operation. No jets, just turbo props.

Ittoqqortoormiit
Pop: 345

One of the world most remote village at the mouth of the fjord system where it meets the ocean.

Scoresbysund
Pop: 0, just us

Area: 38,000 sq.km. Longest fjords: 340–350 km. (210-216 mi.). Vast, untouched Arctic wilderness.

DAY 1

Meet at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. Fly to Constable Point. Board S/V Linden, introduction from Captain Rasmus and crew, then sail into the vast fjords!

DAY 2

Sunrise at Sun Glacier. Sail west between giant icebergs that gently drift under the influence of the arctic waters.

DAY 3 

Get up close to the Red Island and land on the red sandstone shore. The journey continues north through Rødefjord which is often filled with ice crust. Snap, crackle and pop!

DAY 4  

Spend the day searching for regional Arctic wildlife: Muskoxen, snow hares, and grouse. 

DAY 5

Sailing continues through the awesome Øfjord. Staggering mountain peaks and granite walls rise close to 2000 meters, straight out of the sea.

DAY 6

The Bear Islands, a hiker’s paradise. With feet on the ground, you can really appreciate how special it is here. Pack a lunch, find a view and enjoy.

DAY 7

Huge vistas of the archipelago as it fades away into the distance.  By the end, we are in position at Constable Point for the flight for following morning.

DAY 8

We disembark S/V Linden. The adventures of the expedition begin to sink in and your life after Greenland begins. We say goodbye to each other; not forever, just until the next time we sail!

WHO ARE YOU?

A proper expedition is always comprised of an elaborate mosaic of characters, each with their own story and each with something to offer to the expedition group. Our job is to put together an incredible group of people: similar enough to embrace the spirit of adventure in the Arctic, different enough to introduce healthy diversity and counterpoint in the individual and shared experience of the Arctic.

We need to ensure that everyone who seeks to join us on our expeditions are a positive, forthcoming and interesting individual, hence why The Great Expedition Company follows a curation protocol when selecting guests to join us. This is why our selection process is curated.

Having “what it takes” simply means you’re open to new places, new people and unforgettable sights. We’re all smart in different ways, and it’s up to team leading the expedition to put together a truly excellent group for a truly exceptional experience.

Find the Zoom call scheduling window below, tell us something about yourself and then book a call with us to discuss your participation.

To apply to join the expedition, book a Zoom call

with the with Expedition Leader Joe, below

FAQ’s

Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions, with some additional suggestions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then you can raise it with us via a Zoom call.

  • What level of photography do I require?

    • This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Joe will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as photographically creatively active or as inactive as you like, and we welcome many other forms of creativity. We even had a dressmaker join us on expedition once and it was amazing to watch her conjure up her design based on the inspiration she was getting from nature.

    How fit do I need to be?

    • You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like, but you do need to be able to get into and out of the ship and zodiac, and go up and down the stairs.

    What & where will we eat?

    • All meals will be prepared and served by a chef on board Linden, and dietary requirements can be supported.

    Will we see the Northern Lights?

    • No, not during the Arctic summer as the midnight sun reveals itself for longer periods. Although it is rare, it can also rain in Svalbard too.

    What will the weather be like during June in Svalbard?

    • The weather in June will be near 5 °C / 40 °F throughout the day, dropping to 0 °C / 30 °F at night. With this said, windchill may decrease the temperature - please see the ‘Clothing’ FAQ section. Our "Equipment and Information" One of thre aspect fo our extensive pre-departure material, will make sure you have all the vbases covered.

  • Althopugh we provide an exhaustive list of what to pack in our "Equipment and Information Pack", part of our extensive Pre-Departure material, wee do offer the following as a guide for the initially curious.

    There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! It’s essential to dress appropriately for arctic conditions. Below are our recommendations:

    • Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to)

    • Comfy and warm shoes for below deck, such as slippers

    • 1st layer: base layer, like merino wool or bamboo long-sleeve & leggings

    • 2nd layer: mid-layer, like a wool jumper, fleece, or packable puffy jacket

    • Main outer layer: like a down-filled coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared

    • Waterproof layer: GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar, and ideally it’s also windproof to tolerate any windchill.

    • If you enjoy reading then definitely bring a book or two. You’ll likely cherish that book in the future, knowing where you read it

    • If you like journaling and writing then bring along a pen & notebook

    • Sunblock! The Arctic sun has no mercy, and reflects strongly off the snow, ice and sea water

    • In the same vein as sunblock, bring lip balm, as the Artic summer is drying

    • A water bottle. It’s much easier to use on board than a regular cup

    • Finally, don’t forget to bring your expeditionary spirit!

    • Bring something from your home country to share with the group!

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